The Recipe Box: a Forgotten Resource

These days with electronic means of communication and organization paper and its peaceful simplicity often gets left behind. I have a number of recipe boxes on my pantry shelf. The recipes inside (and the recipe boxes themselves) have been passed down to me from grandmothers and great-grandmothers, meaning that these recipes have historical and sentimental value. I could never get rid of them. However, when I need a recipe I am inclined to reach for a shiny new cook book, or the internet for inspiration.

In one recipe box, we have recipes that have been around since my mother was a little girl. I am sometimes amazed that the paper has lasted so long.

In another, there is organization that was started by one of my grandmothers decades ago, and then continued by me about 5 years ago, neither of us reached complete organization.

And finally there is a box with recipes saved from cartons and containers, as well as hand-written reminders of how to make family favourites. I think I am going to have to dive into these little treasure boxes and try some of the recipes, I will share the results soon.

Also, I had a fantastic week/weekend away, and I am just sifting through photos to share the experience. In the meantime you should sign up for Michelle's giveaway!

A Year Ago Today...

On one of hottest days of the year so far Reggie and I drove out to Calabogie, parked my little car, packed our bags, covered ourselves in sunscreen and bug spray and hiked 7km to a beautiful and serene destination.

 We stopped on the way there to take in a pretty spectacular look-out.

 

 

I had no idea what he was planning when he say quietly down by the water....

With water so still, like a mirror reflecting the rugged beauty all around us.

 And then this! (I know I showed it last week, but it was part of the trip.. :)

 

What a wonderfully perfect weekend! Camping, fresh air, great weather, sun and a moment I will never forget!

Do you have any moments you will remember forever?

In the Garden: Fruit Trees

The most wonderful thing about fruit trees? The beautiful flowers that come before the fruit! And of course the wonderful fruit, and delicious things you can make.

 

 

 

I unfortunately do not have any fruit trees in my garden (only a black currant bush), these beautiful flowers belong to a crab-apple tree that is located outside the back of the store where I work. It has been flowering for a few days now, and is simply inspiring! Upon commenting on its beautiful flowers I was told that it was great, until it started to bear fruit - the fruit falls and makes a mess all over the back parking lot. The fruit falls? Nobody harvests it? Whaaaa? May I take the crab-apples? Of course you can! When I was in Newfoundland I learned how to make jam, and last summer I kept myself busy making strawberry, raspberry, peach, blueberry, and blackberry jams. And this summer I am hoping to expand my repertoire (it might also have something to do with the upcoming weeding). I can't wait!

Do you make your own jams? Or buy them from a seasoned preserver?